In Italy 2012: November 2012

Tuesday 27 November 2012

Homework...

Facing my fears... working on some selfportrait pieces... our Italy homework from Misty before she left... I will keep you posted on my journey!

Monday 26 November 2012

When I was in Italy, Misty generously gave me two original pieces that were her demo's in the classroom and she gave us all 2 postcards of her artwork in our packs. All of which are just so beautiful... and honestly a real treat for me. The chances of me ever being able to get an original of Misty's work - well who knows. I love the prints she gave us too. Sharon also gave us all a postcard of one of her artworks. Renee gave us all a little art gift in a little brown bag that had one of her pieces of art on it. I had ordered one of Jenny's print before I headed to Italy and she brought me an extra print of her previous work. Jenny also gave each of us a postcard size print of one of her paintings. Now I have a small Misty and Jenny Collection happening. All these lovely pieces together with 3 of my own original pieces were framed and ready to go up this weekend, in my diningroom. This area is mainly blue and white so I had been collecting white frames. I had a general idea of what I wanted for this wall... It was lovely to see it coming together. I would still love to add John, Lorraine and Dot's artwork to this collection! But for now I have little reminders of Italy and the beautiful people I met there... every day!

This picture doesn't completely do it justice but it's the best I could get. This wall has completely transformed my diningroom.

About me

This is a story of my journey to Italy. I honestly can't say going to Italy was ever on my dreamlist. Not that it shouldn't have been. But I can honestly say, going to paint in Europe has been. I am about to turn 40 and I started talking about doing a trip for my birthday to paint and learn with other incredible artists. I have been discovering that there are many arty retreats that happen around the world and I knew I wanted to be part of one. One of the other amazing things I discovered this year through Instagram was Misty Mawn. I was also following some of her incredible students. That's where I met Jenny Lee too, it was her quest to get to Italy that inspired me to try too. I love how discovering one thing has lead to discovering new things that have ultimately lead me here. I am not there yet by a long shot, but I know this style of painting is ultimately where I would like my painting to go. This journey would be purely for me and my love for painting, my deep unfinished business with traveling and my love of discovery and the adventures that come from stepping out of the door. I think it might be a bit of a quest, maybe even a bit of a pilgrimage as I head into my 40's. But whatever it is, I am trusting it will be so much more than that in the end...